The federal government is stepping up efforts to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign digital infrastructure, approving two new communication satellites while revealing that more than N3.8 trillion has been invested in information technology infrastructure since 2023.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the acquisition and deployment of two next-generation satellites, NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B, as part of efforts to expand Nigeria’s digital capacity and strengthen its technological independence.
The satellites will be deployed by Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), with the project expected to improve broadband internet, broadcasting, enterprise connectivity and critical government communications, particularly in areas where conventional telecom infrastructure is difficult or costly to deploy.
NIGCOMSAT’s Acting Head of Corporate Affairs, Stephen Kwande, disclosed the FEC approval, which moves the project into the next stage of implementation.
The satellites are expected to extend connectivity to underserved, unserved and hard-to-reach communities while improving the resilience of Nigeria’s communications infrastructure.
They will also support digital services in education, healthcare, agriculture, financial services and government operations, as well as provide more secure communications for critical national needs, including security and defence.
NIGCOMSAT Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, said the project would reduce Nigeria’s dependence on external satellite infrastructure while creating new opportunities across the satellite and digital technology value chain.
She said the opportunities would span telecommunications, broadcasting, ground infrastructure, systems integration, technical support and satellite-enabled services.
The project is also expected to strengthen local expertise through knowledge transfer, professional training and the development of skills in satellite engineering, network operations and cybersecurity.
The satellites will be delivered by Thales Alenia Space of France and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), while NIGCOMSAT will lead implementation in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and other relevant agencies.
